January 27, 2016 TnH Global 0

World Travel & Tourism Council, India Initiative appoints new office bearers for 2016

The Annual General Meeting of the World Travel & Tourism Council, India Initiative (WTTCII) was held on 9th December 2015 at New Delhi, where the organization appointed new office bearers of WTTCII for the year 2016.

Kapil Chopra, President, The Oberoi Group has been appointed as the Chairman of WTTCII for the year 2016. Chopra, who served as the Vice Chairman of WTTCII for the year 2015, takes over from Manav Thadani, Chairman, HVS, South Asia who completed his term at the recently held AGM in Delhi.

Ashwani Lohani, Chairman & Managing Director, Air India has been appointed as the Vice Chairman of WTTCII for the year 2016. Kapil Chopra said, “Maintaining the momentum of the WTTCII Report Tourism Action Plan 2014 presented to the new Government, we have recently requested urgent interventions at Prime Minister Modi’s level. Tourism growth in India has been the slowest in 3 years and is only 4 % over last year. One of the most important interventions needed at this moment is the revival, recasting and relaunching the “Incredible India Campaign 2.0”. The E-Tourist Visa on Arrival (ETVoA) scheme, currently extended to 113 countries, must be communicated effectively to consumers through the “Incredible India 2.0” campaign as awareness continues to be low. Also this campaign should be on the same scale and magnitude as “Make in India” across print, digital and social media platforms for India’s key source markets. Both campaigns need to complement each other. ”

Ashwani Lohani said, ” Travel & Tourism is a universal bridge connecting people, cultures and communities all over the world, while, also being a world leader in contributing to the global economy by creating jobs, generating wealth, and improving the quality of life of its citizens. Despite these benefits, the sector still lacks the appropriate level of political and economic recognition. We would like to point out here that one of the primary needs of Tourism is easy access to a destination.

Civil Aviation and Tourism must be linked to address this objective. Delineating or isolating both these functions will not see the desired growth. Tourism and Aviation must be integral to make India an accessible, affordable destination.

“ World Travel & Tourism Council, India Initiative (WTTCII) is an Apex Industry Council with Members from the Airlines, Hospitality, Travel Services, State Governments and Government of India organizations. Established in the year 2000, WTTCII has been working closely with the Government of India, Ministry of Tourism, and other Ministries relevant to Tourism and Industry Stakeholders for the development of the Tourism Sector in India, especially on policy issues. WTTCII works to raise awareness of Travel & Tourism as one of the largest industries that contribute in terms of employment potential, economy and sustainable development in India.